Paper Mill Newsletter
Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year!!!
Welcome to the 26-27 school year! Our Paper Mill Community is off to a great start! Along with your child's teacher, here are some more members of our team:
Principal: Michael Atkins: michael.atkins@schoolsofwestfield.org
Assistant Principal: Tori Jennings tori.jennings@schoolsofwestfield.org
Front Office: Erinn Tirrell e.tirrell@schoolsofwestfield.org
Adjustment Counselor: Alyson Reid alyson.reid@schoolsofwestfield.org
School Nurse: Jennifer Dupreuil-Lapanne jennifer.lapanne@schoolsofwestfield.org
If you have not completed your back to school form on the parent portal, please do so. It provides important information about your child.
Attendance Matters
Please know that daily and on time attendance is important for routines, getting the day started right, learning, achievement, engagement, etc. Doors open at 9:00 and close at 9:15. Breakfast and lunch are available for all students at no charge. Dismissal will begin at 3:15.
Why Does Attendance Matter?
Academic Success: Your child will perform better in school if they have excellent attendance.
Social and Emotional Development: Your child will be happier at school if they have excellent attendance.
School Engagement: Your child will become more involved in learning, extracurricular activities, and having strong friendships if they have excellent attendance at school.
How Can You Help?
We know that life can sometimes present challenges that affect a student’s ability to attend school, but we are committed to working with you to support your child in overcoming these obstacles. Here are a few ways you can help improve attendance:
Communicate with Us: If your child is unable to attend school due to illness, family circumstances, or any other reason, please let us know as soon as possible. We can provide resources and assistance to help your child stay on track.
Establish a Routine: Creating a consistent routine at home—including regular bedtimes and mornings that allow ample time to get ready—can set the stage for your child to attend school regularly and be prepared for a full day of learning.
Encourage School Engagement: Help your child understand the importance of school and motivate them to attend regularly. Encourage them to participate in school activities, whether academic or extracurricular, to make school a more enjoyable and rewarding experience.
Support Your Child’s Health: If your child is frequently absent due to health issues, we encourage you to reach out to us. We can connect you with the necessary resources, whether it's guidance on health concerns or alternative learning options.
What Are We Doing?
We are focusing on building a positive and welcoming environment that encourages students to come to school every day. We are working on implementing strategies to improve attendance, including recognizing students with excellent or improved attendance and offering support for those who may be struggling with consistent attendance.
Together, we can make a significant difference in your child’s educational experience. Your support is crucial to ensuring your child’s success, and we are grateful for your partnership. If you have any concerns or suggestions regarding your child’s attendance, please reach out.
Thank you for your ongoing support. We look forward to working together to help your child have a successful school year.
PTO
Please consider attending a PTO meeting to learn more about the wonderful things going on at Paper Mill! We meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:00. Feel free to reach out at papermillpto@gmail.com
Important Dates
9/23: Spirit Day: Favorite Color
10/1: School Pictures
10/12: Columbus Day: No School
10/14: PTO Meeting: 6:00
10/15: Fall Festival: 5:30-7:30
10/20: Early Release Day: 2:00 Dismissal
10/21: Parent-Teacher Conferences: 12:15 Dismissal